Government Launches SOPs for Kailash Darshan via Old Lipulekh Pass

In a significant development for spiritual tourism, the Defence Ministry of India has granted permission to Uttarakhand tourism to facilitate Kailash Darshan via the historic Lipulekh Pass. This long-awaited move opens up new avenues for pilgrims eager to undertake the revered journey to Kailash while ensuring stringent measures for safety and environmental protection.

With the Lipulekh Pass situated at the sensitive Indo-China border, the newly launched Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are designed to ensure the safety of tourists and maintain the sanctity of the region. Here are the key guidelines:

Govt Guidelines (SOPs) for Lipulekh Pass Kailash Darshan

Border Sensitivity: Given the strategic location of the Lipulekh Pass on the China border, tourists are mandated to exercise extreme caution. Adherence to security protocols and cooperation with security personnel is paramount.

Restricted Darshan Timings: Kailash Darshan will be strictly limited to a three-hour window from 08:00 to 11:00 AM. This measure aims to manage the flow of visitors efficiently and ensure a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage experience.

Limited Group Size: To maintain order and security, only 15-20 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the pass at any given time. This controlled access helps in managing the sensitive border area and ensuring that the experience remains serene and spiritually fulfilling.

Time Limit for Pilgrims: Each individual pilgrim will be permitted a maximum stay of half an hour at the pass. This time restriction ensures that more pilgrims get an opportunity for Darshan within the limited window and helps in managing the site effectively.

Ban on Plastics and Pooja Items: In an effort to preserve the pristine environment of the Lipulekh Pass, pilgrims are prohibited from carrying any plastic items or Pooja materials. This eco-friendly directive is in line with broader efforts to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Return to Nabidhang: After completing their Kailash Darshan, tourists are required to return to Nabidhang. This ensures a regulated flow of pilgrims and helps maintain the sanctity and order of the pilgrimage route.

The launch of these SOPs marks a new chapter in pilgrimage tourism in India. Kailash Darshan via Lipulekh Pass has long been a cherished aspiration for many devout pilgrims, and the government’s move to reopen this route under carefully regulated conditions is a welcome step.

Mount Kailash Darshan from Old Lipulekh pass

In coordination with the Defence Ministry, the Uttarakhand tourism authorities are committed to providing a safe, serene, and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims. The focus on security, environmental preservation, and controlled access ensures that the ancient practice of pilgrimage is sustained responsibly.

By implementing these SOPs, the government is not only facilitating a revered spiritual journey but also setting a benchmark for managing sensitive and ecologically important areas. The reopening of the Lipulekh Pass for Kailash Darshan under these guidelines is poised to enhance the spiritual tourism landscape of India, bringing the divine experience closer to devotees while respecting the sanctity and sensitivity of the region.

In conclusion, the government’s initiative to launch SOPs for the Old Lipulekh Pass Kailash Darshan is a thoughtful and strategic move that balances devotion, security, and environmental conservation. Pilgrims can now look forward to a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling journey to one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism.